Where Is Belfast?

Belfast is the Capital City of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The name Belfast is dirived from the Irish Béal Feirste
meaning "rivermouth of the sandbanks" and its sits at the head of Belfast Lough with the River Lagan running through its heart.

How Do I Get To Belfast?

The city is served by two airports, Belfast International Airport which is approximately 30 minutes from the heart of the city by coach or car
and Belfast City Airport which is just minutes from Belfast City Centre. George Best Belfast City Airport code is BHD and Belfast International
Airport's code is BFS. Unlike the International Airport, the City Airport has a rail link which will take passengers into Central Station but
it may serve you better to arrange a ride or take a taxi. Whichever airport you use there are loads of Belfast Flights from various carriers
including budget airlines. If you are flying into Dublin then you can catch a coach direct to Belfast, you can also catch the Enterprise Train
from Dublin's Connelly Station.

If you are travelling by ferry both P&O and Stena Line offer services to either Belfast or Larne (which is about 30 minutes by car). You can
also get coach deals to Belfast from Ulster Bus, National Express and Scottish Citylink which can include ferry crossing.

Where Can I Stay In Belfast?

Belfast is an ever growing city with new boutique hotels popping up all the time. One of the most renowned hotels in the city is the Europa Hotel,
which was once known as Europe's most bombed hotel but all has changed and Belfast is now one of Europe's most vibrants cities. When it comes to
city hotels most of the main chain's operate here including the Hilton, Premier Inn and Ramada. It really depends on where you wish to stay for
there are hotels in the University Quarter of the city, hotels in the Titanic Quarter of the City, as well as in the Linen and Cathedral Quarters.
One of Northern's Ireland largest hotel chains operates the Stormont Hotel which sits directly facing the Stormont Estate home of the Northern
Ireland Assembly, operates the Europa Hotel and plans to open a new hotel in Bedford street which which will be one of the city's tallest hotels
and sit just seconds from Belfast City Hall. If you're looking for hotel details visit our Belfast Guide or Directory for more information.

How Do I Get Around Belfast?

Unlike many other cities Belfast has no underground system and no tram system. It's transport is provided by a company called Translink which
offers bus services throughout Belfast under the brand Metro Buses or Citybus, it also offers bus services and rail services throughout Northern
Ireland under the brands Ulster Bus and Northern Ireland Railways. You should ask the operator for details of their current prices and discounts.
Visitors to the city should be aware that you can purchase an all day bus ticket, which provides unlimited travel on Metro Buses after 9:30am
for as little as £3.70.

If you feeling a bit more energetic you can always get around the city using Belfast Bikes which have pick up and drop off docking stations all
around the city. Likewise if you're feeling a little bit more lazy you can always avail yourself of both our public and private hire taxi companies.
If you are more interested in touring Belfast or in taking a tour of Belfast's main river, the River Lagan which leads into Belfast Lough, why not
take a look at our tourist guide or directory to see available services.

A Few Belfast Facts

The City was granted city status in 1888 and in 2015 had an estimated population of 333,871. It has a vast maritime heritage which includes the
building of RMS Titanic at the world famous Harland & Wolff Shipyard. In addition, Belfast is also well known for its linen industry heritage, tobacco processing,
rope-making and even today is still well known for its aerospace and missile industry.

The City, in the absence of an underground, tram system or citywide rail system is currently attempting to introduce what is known as the Belfast
Rapid Transit. Unfortunately, its main effect to date is to have brought the city to a standstill with unwanted roadworks, unnecessary bus lanes and
revenue generating cameras. What is Belfast Rapid Transit? A Bendy Bus, on existing roads that's implementation is costing millions!

The Belfast Accent

The distinctive Northern Ireland accent is like marmite loved by some and not by others. However, the accent reflects many expressions local to
Northern Ireland, for examples of this why not take a look at our Norn Ireland Dictionary.